KEAY
Keay
The surname Keay, also spelled as Kaye, originates from the Gaelic word 'MacAoidh', meaning "son of Aodh". The name is of Scottish and Northern Irish origin and is found predominantly in these regions. The name is also known to have spread to England and Wales over the centuries.
The Keay surname is classified as a patronymic name, indicating that it was often given to individuals based on the name of their father or ancestor. The name has several variations such as Kaye, Key, Kay, and Kayes, reflecting the phonetic and etymological evolution of the name over time.
The Keay family history is rich and diverse, with recorded instances of individuals bearing this surname involved in various occupations and aspects of society. The name has been associated with nobility, landed gentry, as well as tradespeople and labourers. The Keay surname has historically been found in records of births, marriages, and deaths, as well as in the annals of military and political life.
Notable individuals with the surname Keay include figures from different walks of life, such as academics, artists, athletes, and politicians. The surname has thus contributed to the cultural and historical tapestry of the British Isles.
In contemporary times, the Keay surname continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting the diverse diaspora of the British Isles. The surname serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and ancestry of those who bear it.
In conclusion, the Keay surname is a prominent and enduring part of British and Celtic history, representing a lineage that has made significant contributions to the social, cultural, and political landscape of the regions where it is found.
There are approximately 2,357 people named Keay in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,674th most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Keay.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Amanda
- Elizabeth
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Julie
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria